Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

I towed my car to a guys house who was going to diagnose the problems, and depending on the cost to repair it, decide whether to pay for repairs to keep it or just sell it as is once the value was determined.

He kept telling me he was working on it, then couldn't reach him. THEN HE SOLD IT TO SOMEONE--WHO SENT CERTIFIED LETTER TO ME ASKING TO SIGN OFF POWER OF ATTY, SO SHE CAN REGISTER IT!!

That's how I found out, but the buyer, (don't know her) left only a po box to return it, so I can't contact her otherwise.

Got the turnaround from different law enforcement agencies: tribal, sheriff, cop, back to sheriff -WHO REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING, INCLUDING TAKE MY STATEMENT, OR WRITE REPORT!! They won't even help find the buyer!

This has to be criminal for a hired mechanic to sell my car. I have the title. They said I need to contact the mechanic myself. He has no phone, and I found out he's a heroin addict, and he lives in a house surrounded by agricultural fields. no neighbors. Yet sheriff refuses to assist.

What is the law? What can I do if the sheriff won't take report to list it as stolen?? The DMV did put a stop on anyone trying to get it titled or registered. Please help.


Asked on 5/19/12, 9:46 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Zadik Shapiro Law Offices of C. Zadik Shapiro

If the sheriff refuses to take a stolen car report you can contact the district attorney but you may be stuck with civil remedies. Since you seem to know where the thief lives you may sue him in small claims court. You may also hire an investigator to try to find the car. I suspect the car is not worth much and if so it may not be worth it. But since you have the title you can either seize the car if you find it (I do not suggest this since you may be putting your life in danger) or the sheriff might seize it if you can tell them where the car is.located and show them the title.

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Answered on 5/20/12, 12:33 am


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